Common Spanish Verbs: Ser

"Ser" is perhaps THE most common verb in the Spanish language. In my Beginner Spanish course I explain that there are two types of verbs: simple and vague. The simple verbs are simple to understand because you can visualize them easily. These are verbs like "to run", "to play", "to eat". You can easily visualize someone running, playing, or eating. But the other type of verb, the vague verbs, are not as easy to understand because they don't have such a visual meaning. "Tener" as is "Ser". It just so happens that some of the most common Spanish verbs--to have, to be, to do, to know--are vague verbs. This is important to know as you learn all about Spanish verbs, but don't worry as it will come easily as you study the language and practice speaking Spanish.

The true meaning of "Ser" is "To be", however, the easier way to remember it is to think of it as the I am, you are, she is verb. It literally is the verb used to communicate is, are, and am. This is how the verbs is conjugated:

Yo soy - I am
Tú eres - You are (informal)
Él es - He is
Ella es - She is
Usted es - You are (formal)
Nosotros somos - We are
Vosotros sóis - You all are (informal)
Ellos son - They are
Ellas son - They are (group of females)
Ustedes son - You all are (formal)


Here are some examples of phrases using the verb "Ser":

Yo soy maestra. - I am a teacher.
Tú eres bondadoso. - You are kind.
Nosotros somos estudiantes. - We are students.
Es la una. - It's one o'clock.